Cinematography: Understanding Lighting in Film

Hard or harsh lighting uses smaller light sources to cast large, crisp shadows on the subject while increasing the contrast. The effect is a dramatic, suspenseful atmosphere that evokes a sense of fear or wickedness.

Common sources of lightning:

• Low-key lighting comes from one source to create strong shadows and contrast.
• Kicker light with soft fill. A backlight shines on the side of the subject's face and creates a rim light effect. The soft fill light mildly illuminates the face.

Soft lighting is created by using larger light sources further from the subject and in a scene with many fill lights. The lights illuminate the whole frame instead of just a single subject. The effect is a dreamy, romantic or fantastical atmosphere that portrays hope and peace.

• High-key light. Fill light and backlighting brighten up the entire frame. It has a neutral effect. Extreme high-key lighting creates a peaceful atmosphere.
• Diffused overhead lighting is suitable for close-up shots.

• Side lighting. It illuminates the contours of the face and increases contrast for a dramatic effect.
• Bounce lighting. A reflector is used to bounce a strong light towards the subject. It spreads and softens the light.
• Motivated lighting. Studio lights, lanterns or other artificial lights resemble a natural light source, such as the sun.
• Practical set lighting. It uses existing light sources to light the scene, such as lamps or studio lights.
• Natural film lighting, also known as ambient lighting, uses the light already available.

• Warm lighting creates red, yellow or orange tones. It evokes a sense of comfort, warmth, happiness and is often used in romance or teen dramas.
• Cool lighting creates blue, green or grey tones. It projects a feeling of loneliness or coldness.
• White lighting has no coloured tones. The effect is mainly neutral, but excessive use of white light can feel overwhelming.
• Coloured lighting is tinted with different colours and can be used to set different moods. For example, red reflects romance or danger.

Lighting can help to reveal a personality or emotions.

• Under lighting. The light shines from under the character's face and creates a creepy effect.
• Backlighting. The light source is behind the subject and creates a halo effect around the subjects head, making them looking angelic.
• Kicker. Backlighting on the subject's temple highlights a chiselled cheekbone.
• Eye light. The light source is put on the camera and illuminates the front of the face. It creates an intriguing sparkle.